Started September 15th, 2026 – Season 6
Greetings & Welcome!
Season 6 recordings are in the works! This season a new addition will be the “Newsletter”. It is my plan to have each guest featured as the recordings are going on. This is a work in progress, so please be patient. You can view some short clips on YouTube .
Creating Stories Behind Bars: Bill Smoot’s Journey
Explore the connection between writing and teaching in prisons.
Greetings and welcome to this week’s edition of the Prison Pod. We
kick off Season Six with a profound conversation with Bill Smoot, a
writer and educator who has spent 14 years teaching at San Quentin
Prison. His journey into writing and teaching reveals a unique
perspective that intertwines creativity with the complexities of
Incarceration.
A Lifelong Passion for Creating
Bill reflects on his early fascination with making things, tracing it
back to childhood days spent in his grandfather’s tailoring shop. He
Shares,
“One of them I’ve realized is from a very early age I like to make
Things.”
This passion for creation seamlessly transitioned into his writing
career, where he views storytelling as a form of making.
Teaching in Prisons: A Unique Calling
Bill’s path into prison education was serendipitous. After
interviewing a captivating teacher for his nonfiction book,
**Conversations with Great Teachers**, he felt inspired to teach in
unconventional settings. He recounts,
“I left that interview thinking, wow, I would really like to do
something like that.”
This curiosity led him to San Quentin, where he found a home in the
classroom despite initial nerves about the environment.
Reflections on the Writing Process
Bill’s latest novel, **San Quentin Exodus**, emerged during the
pandemic, a time when he found himself reflecting on his experiences
within prison walls. He describes the inspiration for his characters
as stemming from his own memories of entering the prison, pondering,
“How would someone escape?”
This seed of an idea blossomed into a narrative that not only explores
escape but also the human experience within the confines of prison
Life.
Bill emphasizes the joy he finds in writing, stating,
“My experience…is that I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
He relishes the revision process, likening it to a sculptor refining
their work, saying,
“I think of it as a sculptor who’s working in clay…bringing it to
its final form.”
The Impact of Teaching on Writing
In discussing his students, Bill reflects on their journeys into
writing, noting that some have found success as writers themselves. He
states,In discussing his students, Bill reflects on their journeys into
writing, noting that some have found success as writers themselves. He
states,
“There are a number that I’m aware of who did become writers.”
This speaks to the powerful impact that teaching can have, not just
within the classroom but in shaping future voices in literature.
As we conclude this enlightening conversation, Bill Smoot reminds us
of the importance of creativity and connection, especially in
unexpected places. His story is a testament to the transformative
power of teaching and writing, revealing how they can intersect in
profound ways.
For those interested in delving deeper into Bill’s journey and
insights, I encourage you to listen to the full episode of the Prison
Pod, starting in January 2027.
https://billsmoot.net/bill-smoots-bio-contact
—
Walter Dunn: From Wrongful Conviction to Advocate for Change
A journey through injustice, education, and hope.
In this week’s episode, we delve into the harrowing yet inspiring
journey of Walter Dunn, a criminal justice advocate and author, whose
personal experiences have ignited a passion for justice reform and
Education.
A Fight for Justice
Walter recounts his initial encounter with the justice system,
explaining how a fistfight led to a wrongful conviction. He reflects,
“I got tangled in the justice system… you have no hold of your
life. It’s just on a roller coaster.”
Unlike many who plead guilty, Walter chose to fight for his innocence,
facing a trial by jury in Florida, where the stakes were high and the
odds were stacked against him. He recalls,
“Two percent of the population goes to trial… I decided to fight
for my innocence.”
The Reality of Prison Life
Walter describes his first day in prison as a moment of profound loss,
stating,
“I was broken. To be stripped of your dignity, humanity, your
family… I was devastated.”
In those dark times, hope felt elusive, yet education became his
beacon. He became a state-certified GED teacher, helping others find
purpose amidst despair. Walter shares,
“When I started to gravitate towards education, that’s when I
started to feel like a purpose again.”
Turning Knowledge into Freedom
After nearly a decade of studying law, Walter took action to secure
his own freedom. He filed a pro se motion, successfully overturning
his wrongful conviction. He emphasizes the struggles faced by many in
similar situations, noting,
“There’s so many other people that get left behind… the court
system scrutinizes them a lot.”
Bridging Education and Incarceration
Today, Walter is a bridge between education and the prison system,
working to reduce recidivism through learning. He explains,
“Education is one of the biggest deterrents for recidivism. The more
education you have, the less apt you are to go back to prison.”
Walter’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative
power of education. As he continues his work as an advocate, he
reminds us that every individual deserves a second chance.
Reflecting on the journey, it’s clear that hope can emerge from the
darkest places. Walter’s ongoing mission to help others find their
path is a powerful reminder of the change one person can create.
To hear more about Walter’s remarkable journey and his insights on
justice reform, listen to the full episode, starting in January 2027.
Prison POD 